"[Ian M. Thom] invited the 40 artists surveyed to choose the works by which they wanted to be represented and he quoted them extensively, so that their individual voices emerge, loud and distinct."

"The pages are filled with pride and accomplishment as well as offering a First Nations history lesson, in the diversity of their artwork."

"Concise, yet broad in scope, Challenging Traditions: Contemporary First Nations Art of the Northwest Coast offers an important introduction to aboriginal artists attempting to push the boundaries, to tell new stories in a variety of mediums and styles, responding to radical changes in the world while respecting and balancing the old and the new. Thom's language to describe the works is blessedly free of art speak, and it's inclusive and as plainspoken as most of his subjects. He has done a commendable job of representing their stories."

"A handsomely packaged coffee-table-book survey of Native American/First Nations artist from Canada and the U.S. whose riffs on their tribal heritage incorporate everything from abstract work to pop art to traditional design."

"Challenging Traditions is a beautiful collection of essays about 40 of the most accomplished Northwest Coast artists (men and women) working today...What is clearly evident in all the portraits is that these artists are melding traditional ideas and images with contemporary materials, ideas, and techniques."